The International Center for Sports Studies (CIES) has published a new list for 2026 of the best young footballers under the age of 23 who play in the leagues of the former Yugoslavia. The analysis was done on the basis of a special scoring model in cooperation with the company "Impect", which deals with sports analytics. The results aroused great interest in the region because these are players who could become the leaders of their clubs and national teams in the coming years.
The list includes three footballers from the Serbian Super League, two from FC Partizan and one from FC Crvena Zvezda. The highest placed player from Serbia is Nikola Stanković, the right back of the red and whites. He is 22 years old and although he played only nine games this season, his potential is recognized and valued highly. Stankovic stands out for his speed, endurance and ability to contribute both in defense and attack, where we recognize him as a modern full-back that European clubs are looking for.
FC Partizan provided two representatives. The highest ranked is Nikola Trifunović, the 21-year-old winger who ranks third on the list. Trifunović is known for his explosiveness, dribbling and ability to change the rhythm of the game, and he is already considered one of the most exciting young footballers in the region. His role in Partizan is growing month by month, and experts believe that he could soon become a key player for the black and whites.
Another representative of Partizan is Milan Roganović, the right back from Montenegro who was in the sixth position. Roganović is a player who combines defensive security with offensive breakthroughs, and his physical fitness and tactical discipline set him apart among his peers. His progress at FC Partizan shows that the club continues the tradition of developing quality defenders.
At the very top of the list is Sergi Domingues, stopper of Dinamo Zagreb, who is only 20 years old. His maturity in the game, security in duels and ability to command the defense already distinguish him as one of the most promising players in the region. Dynamo is known for regularly finding top talent, and Dominguez is the latest example of that tradition.
Hajduk Split gave the most players on the list, three. This is a confirmation that the Split club continues to invest in the youth academy and relies on young forces. In addition to Hajduk, the Slovenian Celje and the Croatian Slaven Belupo also have their representatives, which shows that quality footballers are developing throughout the region, not only in the biggest clubs.
This list of CIES has a special significance because it is not based only on subjective assessments, but on a detailed analysis of statistical data, performance on the ground and potential for further development. The scoring model takes into account various parameters from minutes played and contribution to the team to technical and tactical abilities. This is precisely why it is considered a relevant indicator for clubs, scouting services and managers.
For Serbian clubs, especially FK Partizan and FK Crvena Zvezda, the presence of their players on such a list is a confirmation that Serbian football is still developing talents that can compete with the best in the region. Although it is often said that young players go abroad too early, these results show that the Super League has something to offer and that it can be a springboard to European fields.
For the fans, this is an opportunity to get to know the names that are likely to become the bearers of the game for their clubs in the coming years. Nikola Stanković, Nikola Trifunović and Milan Roganović are football players who are already attracting attention, and their performances in the domestic championship will be under special scrutiny.
In a broader context, the CIES list shows that the region of the former Yugoslavia remains rich in football talent. Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split continue to produce players for the European level, while Partizan and Zvezda confirm that Serbian football also has a future. With the support of the clubs, professional work and the right opportunity, these young footballers could become a new generation that will mark Balkan football in the years to come.
